WASHINGTON — The Japanese video game developer behind popular games such as "Ninja Gaiden 2004" and the "Dead or Alive" series has died. Tomonobu Itagaki was 58.

Itagaki's death was confirmed on his personal Facebook page. No cause of death was provided.

It appears Itagaki prepared a statement to be released to fans after his death,

Itagaki was a prolific game developer at the head of the Team Ninja studio, best known for the fighting game franchise The series focuses on a martial arts tournament where players control characters in fast-paced duels on a 3D field.

The first game was released in 1996, and grew into a sprawling media franchise with five sequels, numerous spin-off games, books and even a live-action film adaptation.

Itagaki is also known for his work on Ninja Gaiden, a 20

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